As we approach July 4th celebrations, let’s prepare for a successful and stress free holiday! We see a 30–60% increase in lost pets each year between July fourth and sixth. In fact, July fifth is traditionally one of the busiest days of the year for animal shelters. Below are a few safety tips for pet parents:
1) Make sure your pet is microchipped with updated contact info and their collar has a tag with your name and phone number. Often times we change addresses and numbers without thinking to call the microchip company to update that information, which can be critical if our pet goes missing!
2) When the fireworks start, keep pets confined indoors, in a windowless room if possible, and not in a crate. Animals have been known to leap through glass windows and even eat through crates, harming themselves, to get away from the noise of fireworks.
3) Consider staying home with your pet during the fireworks. Your presence will soothe and reassure them, helping to keep stress low. If you must go out, keep your pet at home and inside. It can also help to create white noise by turning on the tv or radio, which can distract your pet from fireworks noise and help keep them calm.
4) Speak with your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication or natural remedies for your pet prior to festivities involving fireworks or other loud noises. Some pets benefit greatly with the help of medication, but always consult with your doctor in advance because new or controlled meds require time to fill and a possible exam/updated lab work. It is not a one size fits all and must be tailored to each individual pet.
5) If having guests over for the holiday, remind them to keep their food away from your pet and be sure to close gates and doors behind them.
As a reminder, Animalia will be closed on Tuesday, July 4th, but we look forward to serving our patients during normal business hours on July 5th. We hope these tips help you and your family celebrate safely this July 4th!
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